This mental picture struck me: “So they gave a dinner for him there. Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those reclining with him at the table (emphasis mine)” (John 12:2 ESV).
Why was I so struck?
It was knowing that Lazarus had “reclined” for four days inside a tomb in the proceeding chapter. What a contrast for Lazarus, “reclining” in the darkness and solitude of death and then by the power of Jesus “reclining” at a table of light and life.[1]
Yet, even being a partaker of the miraculous with no accord of his own, some wished to destroy him, “So the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him, many of the Jews were going away and believing in Jesus” (John 12:10-11 ESV).
As a believer, you will have enemies of the gospel, as did Lazarus, whose desire is to kill you simply for being alive in Christ. For some believers, the threat is a physical death (cf. Luke 21:12-16). “By the time you go to bed tonight, 15 Christians will die today for their faith in Jesus. Ten will be abducted.”[2]
For others, it is a “death” of their influence through persecution and discrimination (cf. 1 Peter 4:12-16): “In 2022, advocacy group Open Doors said that at least 360 million Christians experienced “high levels of persecution and discrimination.” This was 20 million higher than in 2021. Persecution included instances of intimidation, disinformation, stereotyping, legal threats, and attacks on places of worship.”[3]
Know that your life as a Christian can cause conflict in this world; also, there will be those used by the enemy who will seek to kill, steal, and destroy that life. Guard your life in Christ today, and do not be ashamed of the gospel (cf. Romans 1:16).
Pray specifically for your brothers and sisters whose lives are in danger simply because they are believers. Pray protection for them, pray provision for them, and pray peace for them — in Jesus name.
